commonplace expression

USAGE SUMMARY

"commonplace expression" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to phrases or sayings that are widely used and considered ordinary or unoriginal. An example is: "The phrase 'time heals all wounds' is a commonplace expression." Alternative expressions include "cliché" and "trite saying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The idea for the piece derived from a commonplace expression in the dance world.

The New York Times - Arts

Even when he lapses into cliche – "We were born to lose", "Who of us now knows where the time goes?" – his lugubrious voice makes you appreciate the feeling behind each commonplace expression.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Weaving together profound and violent encounters, this rich account uncovers some of the secrets behind commonplace expressions, arguing that an awareness of the routes by which words made it into English is essential to our understanding of who its speakers are.

The Guardian - Books

But really, if you are the kind of person who is going to find commonplace expressions like "Oh my God", or "Bless you", or "Blimey", or "Lord love a duck", or "Saints preserve us" offensive you'd be well advised only to go out in public with ear plugs and a mask (on second thoughts, perhaps it would just be safer to stay in).

The Guardian - Opinion

There are words that have highly prejudicial origins that have just happened to become commonplace expressions in the English language.

Huffington Post

Jacobs notes that Sullivan also adds his own humorous touches to the music by setting commonplace expressions in "Donizettian recitative".

Wikipedia

These have become such commonplace expressions in connection with the Guantánamo prisoners that it's easy to forget that holding prisoners for over six years without charge or trial and then releasing them because they are no longer regarded as a threat or as a source of intelligence to be exploited like lab animals is utterly illegal.

Huffington Post

In fact, by authorizing Congress to combat desecration of the flag, the measure may end up repressing fairly commonplace political expression, like attaching a peace symbol to the flag or pinning the flag around oneself in a march.

The New York Times

She noted that Botox made such commonplace facial expressions as scowling and squinting a challenge (though Wexler says the urge to squint can be so strong, patients recruit muscles from elsewhere on the skull to persist in the habit).

The New York Times - Magazine

Are we as individuals already corporations, are we post-human to a certain degree?" And, importantly, "can two automated systems fall in love?" Bakkila proposes to take mundane commonplace of business expression and use them to to "make the world a more inviting place with fiction".

The Guardian

The phrase in question "is a commonplace term, message or expression widely used by a variety of sources that merely conveys an ordinary, familiar, well-recognized concept or sentiment," according to the decision.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "commonplace expression", consider whether a more original or precise phrase might be more impactful. While commonplace expressions are easily understood, they can sometimes lack the nuance or freshness needed to engage the reader.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "commonplace expressions" in your writing. While they can be useful for conveying familiar ideas, overuse can make your writing sound uninspired and predictable. Strive for a balance between clarity and originality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commonplace expression" functions as a noun phrase used to describe a type of statement or saying. It serves to classify an expression as one that is frequently used and therefore considered ordinary or unoriginal, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "commonplace expression" is a noun phrase used to describe sayings or phrases that have become ordinary due to frequent use. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While it's useful for identifying overused phrases, writers should aim for originality by balancing "commonplace expressions" with more creative language. Related alternatives include "clichéd phrase" and "trite expression", each emphasizing slightly different aspects of unoriginality. Overusing "commonplace expressions" can make writing seem uninspired, highlighting the importance of balancing clarity with creativity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clichéd phrase

Emphasizes the overused and unoriginal nature of the phrase.

trite expression

Highlights the lack of freshness and originality in the phrase.

hackneyed saying

Focuses on the phrase being worn out due to overuse.

banal remark

Points out the ordinariness and lack of depth in the expression.

stock phrase

Indicates that the phrase is a standard or typical one.

overused idiom

Specifically refers to idioms that have lost their impact through repetition.

conventional expression

Indicates adherence to accepted norms and lack of originality.

everyday phrase

Highlights the commonness and frequency of use.

common saying

A more general term for a widely known and used phrase.

familiar expression

Emphasizes that the phrase is well-known and easily recognized.

FAQs

How can I use "commonplace expression" in a sentence?

You can use "commonplace expression" to describe phrases that are frequently used and widely recognized. For example, "The phrase 'actions speak louder than words' is a "commonplace expression"."

What is a synonym for "commonplace expression"?

Synonyms for "commonplace expression" include "clichéd phrase", "trite expression", and "hackneyed saying".

What makes an expression "commonplace"?

An expression becomes "commonplace" through frequent use and widespread recognition. Over time, its originality diminishes, and it becomes a standard part of everyday language.

Is it better to avoid "commonplace expressions" in writing?

Not necessarily. While overuse can make writing seem uninspired, "commonplace expressions" can also provide clarity and familiarity. The key is to use them sparingly and thoughtfully, balancing them with more original phrasing.